High Velocity Gun-Launched Projectile and Sabot Structures

The development of a guided hypervelocity projectile (HVP) must surmount a number of significant technical challenges. Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI Austin) proposes to address leading edge/control surface challenges, sabot design, and the sub-projectile issues through the selection of materials, material processes, and component manufacturing methods. TRI Austin has assembled a team of technical experts in aerodynamics, materials, projectile design, and projectile manufacturing to address the baseline design of the HVP. The Phase I effort will show how transition of material and process technology will improve the performance, reliability, and cost of the HVP. The Phase I effort will focus on showing the benefits of new materials and processes for leading edges and sabot, and will show the benefits available from manufacturing processes that will enable greater performance for the sub-projectile. The Phase I will be conducted with close contact to a projectile manufacturing facility so that all aspects of the manufacturing process can be accounted for in the projectile’s design. A Phase II effort program plan will be developed through discussions with the prime contractor, the manufacturing facility, and the customer. The Phase II plan will provide projectiles for test and evaluation.